5 Best VPNs for Atlanta in 2024: Fast, Safe & Easy to Use
There are so many VPNs to choose from for Atlanta that it can be overwhelming. It’s time-consuming and expensive to test them all yourself. Plus, most of them have similar features, so you have to wade through the technical jargon to work out their differences.
My team and I tested over 50 of them to find the ones that worked well. Most weren’t fast or reliable enough for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. I discovered a few that offered sub-par security features, so my private data wasn’t even safe.
The ones I shortlisted in this article all offer large, fast networks suitable for any online activity, but my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It offers great speeds and a wide server selection, and it keeps your data hidden from eavesdroppers. Plus, you can try it risk-free for Atlanta since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Atlanta in 2024
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
The most reliable VPN I tested for Atlanta with many US servers and fast speeds.Checked out by 7000+ users last month - CyberGhost
Offers streaming-optimized US servers to watch your favorite shows without hassle. - Private Internet Access
Has highly customizable security features that let you balance speed and safety in Atlanta. - NordVPN
Offers intuitive apps that make it easy to connect in Atlanta in minutes. - Surfshark
Gives you unlimited simultaneous connections to use it on all your devices in Atlanta.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Best VPNs for Atlanta — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best Atlanta VPN for Streaming and Safety
Tested December 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | High-speed servers for lag-free streaming, gaming, and more in Atlanta |
Server Network | 3,000 servers across 105 countries, including 24 US server locations, out of which one is Atlanta |
Security and Privacy | AES 256-bit encryption, Network Lock kill switch, split tunneling, audited no-logs policy |
Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, DAZN, and more |
ExpressVPN outperformed all the other Atlanta VPNs I tested in almost every aspect. In my tests from the US, it worked smoothly with every US site I tried, including Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix US. It was really quick to connect to a server, always taking less than 3 seconds. Plus, I didn't face any connection drops.
When it comes to speeds, ExpressVPN doesn’t disappoint. Our UK-based speed tester started with a base of 107.55Mbps. Although they’re thousands of miles away, they recorded 102Mbps on its Atlanta server, which is just a 5% drop.
This is partly thanks to its Lightway protocol, which moves data efficiently due to its smaller code base. So, even if you connect to a server in another US state far from Georgia, you’ll still have great speeds for HD/UHD streaming and lag-free gaming.
It offers great privacy and security features, too. Along with the basics, it has some valuable extras. All its servers are RAM-based, which makes them incapable of storing your data. It also has a Threat Manager feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites to protect you. It’s customizable, so you can choose which threats or annoyances you wish to block specifically.
All these premium features come at a higher cost than the other VPNs on this list, at $4.99/month for the longest plan. But you can try all of ExpressVPN’s features risk-free, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you end up changing your mind, you can request a refund from its customer support. To test this, I used the 24/7 live chat and got my refund approved in about 2 minutes. My money was returned to my account within 3 days.
Useful Features
- Allows up to 8 connections. This is enough to protect your most-used devices. If you need more, you can install it on your router to cover every device on your network.
- MediaStreamer. This is ExpressVPN’s Smart DNS that you can use in Atlanta to stream your favorite US shows on devices that don’t support native VPN apps, like gaming consoles and older smart TVs.
- Private DNS. Since ExpressVPN uses its own DNS on all servers, it handles all your DNS requests, thus there’s no third-party interference. This makes your data and online activities in Atlanta more private.
- Smart Location. This feature allows you to take the guesswork out of finding the best server for you in Atlanta. Once you click on it, ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to the fastest server near you.
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized US Servers to Easily Watch Your Favorite Shows
Best Feature | Works with popular US streaming sites without hassle |
Server Network | 11,690 servers in over 100 countries, with 60+ in Atlanta alone |
Security and Privacy | AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, automatic kill switch, NoSpy servers |
Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and more |
CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers are regularly tested to ensure they work with your favorite sites in the US. If it hits a snag, CyberGhost refreshes the server’s IP so it works again. During my tests from Atlanta, I could watch every US streaming site I tried, including Netflix, Hulu, Max, and a few more. Compared to its regular servers, I found the optimized ones more reliable.
When I tested CyberGhost, I had fast speeds using the WireGuard protocol each time. Since I only had a 6% speed drop on nearby US servers, I didn’t miss a single touchdown because of interruptions or frame drops. Our UK speed tester reported an average of 10% drop on US servers, which is impressive taking into account these countries are far apart.
Another highlight is CyberGhost’s user-friendly app. With its App rules feature, I set the VPN to connect to one of its US servers whenever I opened Firefox so that my browsing would stay private without having to remember to turn the VPN on each time. There are also specialized P2P servers for secure, fast torrenting.
I recommend you test CyberGhost in Atlanta for free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. This refund period refers to its long-term plans. Unfortunately, the refund window on 1-month plans is much shorter (14 days), and this subscription costs more. So, longer subscriptions are much more convenient and cost-effective, starting at $2.19/month.
Useful Features
- WiFi protection. If you need to use public WiFi in Atlanta, this turns on the VPN for you when you use any unknown network or for particular connections (depending on how you set it).
- Data leak prevention. I tested CyberGhost’s built-in DNS and IP leak protection and found it kept my personal information hidden.
- Free email monitoring. You can receive notifications if your email appears on the dark web, helping you see the problem and change passwords quickly if you’re traveling and your accounts get compromised.
- Block Content. Turn this on in the settings to prevent pop-ups, trackers, and malicious links from harming your devices and compromising your privacy in Atlanta.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customize Your Connection to Prioritize Speed or Security in Atlanta
Best Feature | Simple app makes it easy to change your settings |
Server Network | 29,650 servers in 91 countries, with options in every US state |
Security and Privacy | Adjustable encryption, Multi-hop, split tunneling, MACE ad blocker |
Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and more |
PIA’s advanced settings can help you improve your connection speeds. With OpenVPN and AES 128-bit for streaming and gaming, I got speeds that were 8-10Mbps faster. When I needed top-shelf security to check my HSBC account, I used AES 256-bit and WireGuard since speed didn’t matter.
PIA’s kill switch keeps your data safe if you accidentally lose your connection. For an added failsafe, you can use its advanced kill switch, which blocks all your internet traffic until you connect to the VPN. Similar to ExpressVPN, PIA also offers private DNS that keeps your personal information hidden, and my leak tests proved that my activity and IP were never exposed.
Although having all the customizability that PIA offers comes in really handy for more advanced VPN users, beginners might find this quite complicated. However, there’s nothing to worry about, even if you’re a beginner, because PIA’s apps come pre-configured, and you don’t have to change anything if you don’t want to.
It’s also one of the more affordable VPNs on the market. Plus, you can confidently try PIA for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.
Useful Features
- Unlimited device connections. PIA lets you use the VPN on all of your devices, so you don’t have to log out at home to use it while you’re out and about in Atlanta.
- Automation rules. Set the VPN to automatically connect or disconnect when you’re using certain networks. This is especially helpful for keeping you safe using Atlanta’s public WiFi hotspots like those in hotels, restaurants, and airports.
- Quick Connect. PIA offers a widget that shows you the last 6 locations you used. This is great to quickly get back right where you left off without having to look for a new location in the whole server list.
4. NordVPN — An Easy-to-Use App for VPN Beginners in Atlanta
Best Feature | Quick to install and set up for hassle-free, secure connections |
Server Network | 6,800 servers in 113 countries, with 17 US locations, including Atlanta |
Security and Privacy | AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, split tunneling, Double VPN, Dark web monitor |
Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and more |
NordVPN’s apps are some of the most intuitive I’ve seen, so you can quickly get started in Atlanta whether you’re a beginner or an expert. It took 3–4 minutes to install it on my desktop. The search bar on the home screen makes it easy to find the server you need. I also like having quick access to specialized servers when I need to do something specific, like P2P.
Our tests showed fast speeds on NordVPN’s short- and long-distance servers. When the UK-based tested its LA and NY servers, they got a 16% drop on average. My speed loss was only 6% on nearby US servers. So overall, it offers great speeds for any online activity you’d like to do in Atlanta, be it high-quality streaming or gaming.
The Windows app takes somewhat longer to launch compared to other VPNs on this list, which was a bit annoying. However, I had zero errors or unexpected connection drops once the app was up and running.
In case you’re still not sure, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to test it out yourself.
Useful Features
- NordLynx protocol. A proprietary protocol that gives you maximum security for your devices in Atlanta without compromising on speeds.
- Threat Protection. With this, NordVPN can block malware, trackers, and pop-up ads to make your online experience in Atlanta smoother and safer.
- Meshnet. Securely link your devices so you can use your own home IP address to send files securely while you travel.
5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections to Secure All Your Devices in Atlanta
Best Feature | No cap on simultaneous device connections to cover your entire household |
Server Network | 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including 22 US server locations |
Security and Privacy | AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, secure WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols |
Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and more |
Surfshark has no limit on connections, so you can use it on all your devices in Atlanta without logging any of them out. Other VPNs have strict limits and force you to log out, making it impossible to keep your home devices connected while you travel. Better yet, I didn’t have any reliability issues even when I had 10 Surfshark connections at once, which is way more than I ever use at a time.
Nearby speeds were great in my tests, so our UK-based tester tried US servers from their location in London to see how it works over longer distances. From a base speed of 111.76 Mbps, they got a speed of 90.86 Mbps on the LA server — a 19% drop. This is a great result for faraway connections, so you should be able to enjoy fast speeds on any US server you try within the country.
It's worth noting that Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a member of the 9 Eyes Alliance countries. This concerned me at first, but it isn’t a big deal since Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy. This means data like your browsing history is never recorded.
It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service without stress.
Useful Features
- Bypasser. This is Surfshark’s split tunneling feature that lets you choose select traffic to go through the VPN while other traffic bypasses the encrypted connection. It lets you free up some bandwidth that might give you a slight speed boost.
- CleanWeb. This gives you a faster connection, a safer experience, and fewer online annoyances in Atlanta by blocking banner and pop-up ads, trackers, and malware.
Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Atlanta
Various factors contribute to a VPN's effectiveness, especially for a specific location like Atlanta. I have compiled some essential tips to help you select the best VPN for your needs.
- Large server network. Choose a VPN with servers in lots of countries so you have many to choose from for online protection. Especially make sure that the VPN offers reliable servers in the US so that you have nearby servers for the best speeds possible.
- Fast speeds. Look for a service with quick VPN protocols, like WireGuard and Lightway (ExpressVPN’s protocol). A built-in speed test that shows you connection data in the app is an added bonus.
- Strong security features. Look for military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and any safety bonuses like malware blockers and private DNS.
- User-friendly apps. All the services on this list are easy to set up and connect. There are also some that offer many customization options but are still intuitive.
- Wide device compatibility. The best VPNs support multiple OSs, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Check on their sites to make sure they work with the devices you use.
Quick Guide: How to Set Up a VPN for Atlanta in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. My top choice for Atlanta is ExpressVPN due to its fast speeds and reliable network.
- Connect to a server. I recommend choosing a nearby server for optimal speeds.
- Start browsing. Your online activity is now safe and secure.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
FAQs on Best VPNs for Atlanta
Can I use a free VPN for Atlanta?
Yes, but most are slow, impractical, and might not be safe. Free VPNs typically offer fewer servers, slower speeds, and more limited security features than their paid counterparts. This means you will experience slower connections, limited data, and potential privacy issues. It’s better to use a paid VPN with a money-back guarantee that lets you try it out for free.
Paid VPNs don’t have annoying ads or data limits that make streaming, browsing social media, and downloading files frustrating. They have more servers, and they’re faster than free VPNs. Plus, with a strict no-logs policy and strong encryption, you’re much safer than if you were using a free VPN.
Which VPNs have an Atlanta server?
Most VPNs have US servers, but this doesn’t mean that you’ll get an IP from Atlanta. Some services will list the state-by-state location list on their site, while others don’t make it as obvious. All of the VPNs on my list have servers in Atlanta. That means you’ll have a connection nearby, so your data doesn’t have to travel as far, keeping speed loss to a minimum.
Are VPNs legal in Atlanta?
Yes, using a VPN is entirely legal in Atlanta and the rest of the US. There are no laws prohibiting the use of VPNs, including the VPN providers on this list. These services are used throughout the country without any issues.
This doesn’t mean that whatever you do while using a VPN is legal, though. For instance, downloading or streaming copyrighted material could land you in serious trouble. So be sure to check your local law and abide by the T&Cs of any platforms you use.
Why do I need a VPN for Atlanta?
VPNs help you in many ways if you’re in Atlanta. A good VPN protects you from online surveillance and other privacy threats by encrypting your connection and masking your location. These same security features shield you from cyber attacks and hackers. Not all VPNs work reliably though, so it’s best to choose a service that’s been tried and tested to work in Atlanta.
Can I use a VPN in Atlanta public schools?
Yes, technically you can. VPNs are legal in Atlanta, and they can offer valuable protection, especially on shared networks like those at universities, as long as you choose a reliable service.
It’s important to be aware of individual school policies. Some schools restrict the use of VPNs to ensure that the network is used strictly for educational purposes. Always respect these guidelines, as we at vpnMentor don’t condone breaking any rules.
Get the Best VPN for Atlanta
Using a VPN protects your online activities and data in Atlanta. But choosing the right service is tricky since there are so many on the market these days. You want full protection without sacrificing your speeds, and I found the best candidates that fit this description.
Out of all the VPNs I tested, my top pick for Atlanta is ExpressVPN. It offers consistently fast speeds on nearby and faraway US servers, advanced security features, and user-friendly apps. Plus, you can try it for yourself risk-free in Atlanta since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Atlanta
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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